This book is the first comprehensive study of postwar antisemitism in the Netherlands. It focuses on the way stereotypes are passed on from one decade to the next, as reflected in public debates, the mass media, protests and commemorations, and everyday interactions. The Holocaust, Israel and ‘the Jew’ explores the ways in which old stories and phrases relating to "the stereotypical Jew" are recycled and modified for new uses, linking the antisemitism of the early postwar years to its enduring manifestations in today’s world.

The chapters cover themes including soccer-related antisemitism, Jewish responses, philosemitism, antisemitism in Dutch-Moroccan and Dutch-Turkish communities, contentious acts of remembrance, the neo-Nazi tradition, and the legacy of Theo van Gogh. The book concludes with a lengthy epilogue on "the Jew" in the politics of the radical right, the attacks in Paris in 2015, and the refugee crisis.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Remco Ensel teaches cultural history at Radboud University Nijmegen. Evelien Gans held the chair of modern Jewish history at the University of Amsterdam.

REVIEWS

"[Gans] is known for her sharp analysis of the often subtle workings of antisemitism, and her scientific legacy is renowned for being applicable to all aspects of racism and discrimination that affects minority groups.”

— Nieuw Israëlisch Weekblad

"Gans and Ensel’s collected essays on anti-Semitism in postwar Dutch society broadly consider the complex intersections between Nazism, Jews in the Netherlands, Dutch Christians, Israel, and Muslims who immigrated to Holland after WW II. Gans is the most prolific historian dealing with anti-Semitism in the Netherlands, and he and Ensel authored, or coauthored, 16 of the 18 chapters. This is not a volume for novices, but readers seeking insight into the multifaceted relationship between the forces of anti-Semitism, anti-Islam, anti-Zionism, and the Dutch reconciliation with a messy past will learn a lot. Much of the book analyzes the roots and sustenance of anti-Jewish ideology and actions in the Netherlands. Some of the recent anti-Semitism comes from past stereotypes, and they have been added to by new impressions following the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. In one sense, Jews are seen as weak and cosmopolitan, while in the other sense they are seen—through actions in Israel—as powerful, cruel, and nationalistic. If this ideology seems contradictory, the authors sort through the inconsistencies to show some interesting commonalities. This book breaks new ground in giving English readers a detailed look at how Dutch Muslims have affected this complicated landscape. The extensive notes and bibliography deserve praise. Highly Recommended."

This book is the first comprehensive study of postwar antisemitism in the Netherlands. It focuses on the way stereotypes are passed on from one decade to the next, as reflected in public debates, the mass media, protests and commemorations, and everyday interactions. The Holocaust, Israel and ‘the Jew’ explores the ways in which old stories and phrases relating to "the stereotypical Jew" are recycled and modified for new uses, linking the antisemitism of the early postwar years to its enduring manifestations in today’s world.

The chapters cover themes including soccer-related antisemitism, Jewish responses, philosemitism, antisemitism in Dutch-Moroccan and Dutch-Turkish communities, contentious acts of remembrance, the neo-Nazi tradition, and the legacy of Theo van Gogh. The book concludes with a lengthy epilogue on "the Jew" in the politics of the radical right, the attacks in Paris in 2015, and the refugee crisis.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Remco Ensel teaches cultural history at Radboud University Nijmegen. Evelien Gans held the chair of modern Jewish history at the University of Amsterdam.

REVIEWS

"[Gans] is known for her sharp analysis of the often subtle workings of antisemitism, and her scientific legacy is renowned for being applicable to all aspects of racism and discrimination that affects minority groups.”

— Nieuw Israëlisch Weekblad

"Gans and Ensel’s collected essays on anti-Semitism in postwar Dutch society broadly consider the complex intersections between Nazism, Jews in the Netherlands, Dutch Christians, Israel, and Muslims who immigrated to Holland after WW II. Gans is the most prolific historian dealing with anti-Semitism in the Netherlands, and he and Ensel authored, or coauthored, 16 of the 18 chapters. This is not a volume for novices, but readers seeking insight into the multifaceted relationship between the forces of anti-Semitism, anti-Islam, anti-Zionism, and the Dutch reconciliation with a messy past will learn a lot. Much of the book analyzes the roots and sustenance of anti-Jewish ideology and actions in the Netherlands. Some of the recent anti-Semitism comes from past stereotypes, and they have been added to by new impressions following the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. In one sense, Jews are seen as weak and cosmopolitan, while in the other sense they are seen—through actions in Israel—as powerful, cruel, and nationalistic. If this ideology seems contradictory, the authors sort through the inconsistencies to show some interesting commonalities. This book breaks new ground in giving English readers a detailed look at how Dutch Muslims have affected this complicated landscape. The extensive notes and bibliography deserve praise. Highly Recommended."